AP English (11/14/16): Socratic Circles Overview

Socratic circles use the idea of two concentric circles: the audience on the outside and the "fishbowl" on the inside.

In Wednesday's class, we briefly discussed socratic circles and how they were set up.
For tomorrow's first socratic circle, we will be breaking into two groups: the first will be our "fishbowl," leading a group discussion about Staves 1 and/or 2 of A Christmas Carol; the second will be our audience, observing how discussion is going and if they agree/disagree with the conversation taking place in the middle.

Instructions: 
For today's class, you will prepare for your socratic circles.  First, divide into two groups; then, select what passages you want to discuss from Staves 1, and 2.  When you are ready, assign group members' roles (below) and come up with level 1, 2, and 3 questions for your passage(s).

Possible roles of group members are the following:

• Explorer: "Let's try a new path or perspective..." 
• Sherlock Holmes: "I think we have overlooked an important clue (comment/bit of text)..." 
• Librarian: "Here's a passage in the text that supports your point..." 
• Matchmaker: "What you are saying is a lot like what Sue said earlier..." 
• Judge Judy: "Let's see what the argument is between you two and try to settle it..." 
• Will Rogers: "Let's find a way to make her/his seemingly odd/unpleasant/ incorrect comment more plausible or helpful..."

Friday's socratic circle should take about fifteen minutes with group members giving feedback in the comments section of the blog.  After those fifteen minutes are up, the outer group will give a short overview of their feedback, then switch roles. We will have time to do two socratic circles in class, so be ready to be in the fishbowl and the audience! Good luck!